New Generation of Jails

New times jails seek to manage human behavior positively, consistently and fairly. (Sullivan, 2007, Major changes) Goals include maximizing the interaction surrounded by the staff and prisoners, subjecting the latter to more direct and continuous supervision, and enhancing safety for both parties, by making the jail more manageable and organized. The design is based on a philosophy that accused or convicted offenders must be treated in a humane manner while being incarcerated. (Allen et. al, 2007, p. 101)New generation jails are constructed using a podular design, where housing areas are divided into smaller and more manageable pods or units. A typical unit contains single occupancy cells to avoid triggering aggressiveness among inmates that may occur when they share a cell. Each unit has a secure control booth where the staff can right off and constantly observe and supervise inmate activity. (Nelson, 1998, New Generation Jails) The houses are designed to imitate a normalized en vironment, where inmates can enjoy visiting, programming, recreation, and related activities.Carpeting, wood, upholstered furnishings, paint color, and sizeable natural light are incorporated into the housing unit to encourage better moods and interaction. Educational facilities, telephones, exercise machines and other recreational equipment are also available. conflicting the traditional prison cell which contained only a bunk, faucet and toilet, cells now have a desk and seat, running water, intercoms, and large windows. (Law Library, 2007, Jail structure and design characteristics)So far, assessment of new generation jails have shown that they help alleviate problems of tension and violence, noise inside the prison, idleness, vandalism, discipline and jail costs. Staff morale, inmate control, and communication/relaying of data have also greatly improved. (Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio, 2007, The New Generation Direct Supervision Jail.) New generation jails have been suc cessful in alleviating and minimizing upcoming problems, thanks to the combination of a dedicated and satisfied supervision staff and new facility designs.ReferencesAllen, H. E., Latessa, E. J., Ponder, B. S., and Simonsen, C. E. (2007). Corrections in America An introduction, eleventh edition. New tee shirt Pearson Education, Inc.Jail structure and design characteristics. (2007) Law Library American Law and Legal Information. Retrieved April 12, 2007Nelson, W. R. (January 5 1998). New generation jails. Prop1.org Web Domain. Retrieved April 12, 2007, from http//www.prop1.org/legal/prisons/97jails.htmSullivan, P. M. (March 21, 2007). Influencing juvenile rightness architecture. The Corrections Connections. Retrieved April 12, 2007, from http//www.corrections.com/news/article.aspx?articleid=15338The new generation direct supervision jail. (February 28 2007) Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio Online. Retrieved April 12, 2007, from http//www.ccnoregionaljail.org/newgenerati onjail.htm